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Overview

Property

Updated: 08-Nov-2016

Luxury thatched cottage on Isle of Berneray, Outer Hebrides - sleeps 4, just a stroll from the beach.

Lamraig Cottage is a traditional marram thatched cottage, within a group of historic listed buildings on the northern shore of Bays (sea) Loch on the Isle of Berneray in the Outer Hebrides. The cottage has recently been refurbished combining traditional and eco building principles with all the modern conveniences (underfloor heating, internet etc) to offer an unique and enchanting holiday experience.

There is an open plan kitchen, dining and living area with views to the sea and shore. A wood burning stove makes sure you will always be cosy when you return home from your walk on the beach. The double bedroom has a handcrafted box bed with a view along the shore. Upstairs there is a sleeping platform with twin futons accessed by a wooden stepladder. For the kids only (no adults allowed!!), there is a den with beanbags and starlights. This extra space means everyone can get a bit of chill time to do their own thing.

The bathroom has a vintage cast iron bath and there is a constant supply of hot water, so no matter what time of day you can indulge yourself in a relaxing deep tub with a book. There is, also, a separate walk in shower area with vintage shower head that just never seems to run out of hot water.

The cottage is set in its own established garden with the option to eat outside, enjoy the view or simply relaxing in privacy. With a turf roofed utility outhouse there is plenty of space to dry out laundry or store outdoor kit.

Situated within 20m of the shore of Bays Loch and the Loch Watersee saline lagoon you may be able to catch a glimpse of playing otters, foraging and nesting waders and cormorants fishing quarry trapped in the lagoon by the falling tide. A 2 min walk from the cottage is the beautiful East beach where you can stroll along white sands overlooking the island studded Sound of Harris, wade in turquoise waters and collect shells, including tiny cowrie. The West-side beach, (20 min walk or 5 min drive), offers 3 miles of uninterrupted white sands and picture book views over turquoise waters to the islands of Pabbay, Boreray and the world heritage site of St Kilda.

Berneray has a post office and the grocery, Ardmaree stores, is very well stocked. This is where you can, also, purchase a day permit for fishing on Loch Bhrusda which by reputation is a superb fishery.

If you fancy an evening out, Langass Lodge, Hamersay House and Lochmaddy Hotel are only 10-15 mins away by car. There are local taxis services which can be booked as required.

During the day Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Art Gallery has a gift shop and cafe and is a great place to find out about local history and culture. It, also, has a programme of music and art events which are advertised on their website.

Balranald bird reserve is only 30 mins away and during the summer months you are bound to get up close to a croaking corncrake, while en-route in the Spring you can stop off at the golden eagle nest watching site.

Trips to St Kilda can be booked through Kilda Cruises and can leave by arrangement from Berneray harbour.

However, the Berneray beaches are so beautiful, the machair so full of flowers, the fly fishing on Bhrusda loch so unforgettable ... that all you need to do is breath the fresh Hebridean air, relax and take some time out in Lamraig cottage.

Idyllic holiday retreat

We enjoyed a truly relaxing week away - it really was like a home from home and were made extremely welcome by Meg and everyone we met on the island.

The location is fabulous, tranquil and so close to a beautiful beach, which is one of many on the island, offering great walks and wildlife.The photographs and the description on the website are exact and we can endorse all the comments in previous reviews.

We wholeheartedly recommend Lamraig Cottage, we had a wonderful week and came home happy and relaxed. Thank you Meg.

About the Owner

We live and work on the Isle of Berneray so will be on hand to welcome you to Lamraig Cottage and provide all the local information and assistance required. Our young sons speak Gaelic so can even act as local translators!!

Amongst other business activities, we run a croft at Sunhill producing knitting yarn and sheepskins from our flock of Hebridean sheep via my business The Birlinn Yarn Company (http://www.birlinnyarn.co.uk). As a seasonal product each Autumn we also sell Hebridean Lamb via mail order and to local customers and hotels.

We are interested in wildlife and water sports (surfing, kayaking, diving etc.) so can provide local knowledge on the best locations.

9 Reviews

5

based on 9 holidaymaker reviews

Idyllic holiday retreat

We enjoyed a truly relaxing week away - it really was like a home from home and were made extremely welcome by Meg and everyone we met on the island.

The location is fabulous, tranquil and so close to a beautiful beach, which is one of many on the island, offering great walks and wildlife.The photographs and the description on the website are exact and we can endorse all the comments in previous reviews.

We wholeheartedly recommend Lamraig Cottage, we had a wonderful week and came home happy and relaxed. Thank you Meg.

The perfect Island retreat

We stayed in Berneray as part of our Honeymoon and we really could not have asked for more from our stay at Meg's beautiful cottage. From booking through to check out Meg could not have been more helpful - remaining very flexible to our changing plans, running us through the various functionalities of the house, walking us through the tourist highlights in the area and even baking fresh scones for our arrival! The house itself is spotless and brilliantly equipped with everything you'll need for your break on the Island - it is super cosy with underfloor heating and a wood burning stove that very efficiently heats the entire home. The house is perfectly positioned right on the water and close to the East beach - you'd be hard pressed to find a more relaxing and tranquil spot. We hope to be back very soon!

Perfect holiday cottage

This is a beautiful cottage in a wonderful location. It is very comfortable and extremely well furnished. It is in a lovely village close to fantastic beaches, and walking. Meg and Andrew are great hosts, and are very helpful. A truly memorable stay - really one of the best cottages we have ever stayed in! I would recommend this cottage without reservation - and children (or adults) would really enjoy the bed deck and other upstairs space, above the main bedroom.

Review Submitted: Aug 17, 2015

Date of Stay: Jul 2015

Source: Owners Direct, from HomeAway

Owner's Response: Thank you for your lovely review. We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay on Berneray. Best wishes Meg

Fabulous comfortable and homely cottage.

We have just had a truly wonderful family holiday at Lamraig cottage. It has all home comforts and is easy to live in.

The owners are really welcoming and have lots of great ideas for activities, places to visit and eat. I started a knitting project using wool produced by the owners Hebridean sheep while at Lamraig (1st knitting project in many years... very exciting!)

We found all the locals very friendly and warm.

Highlights were body boarding on safe beech recommended by Meg, Wind carting with Harris Outdoor, but just gently pottering on Berneray with picnics was great too and when the weather wasn't at its best we retreated to the cottage with its under floor heating and lit the wood burner for time with books and games.

Wonderful relaxing stay

Staying in an authentic Hebridian blacknouse is great - staying in one with underfloor heating, lashings of hot water and decent wifi is amazing! The nicest thing about the house is that it is clear that it was Meg's old family home and has lots of personalised touches and high-end features that show it was (and is) much loved. Meg is a great host, with clear pre-visit communication and double checking that both we and the house were all OK.

We had a lovely and relaxing stay in Berneray, with lots of fresh air, good food and walks along the most amazing beaches I have ever seen. One tip - take the day ferry to Harris - when the sun is shining it's a great trip.

We will be wholeheartedly recommending Lamraig cottage and Berneray to all our friends - the perfect way to recharge those city life batteries!

Wonderful relaxing stay

Staying in an authentic blackhouse was great. Staying in one that had underfloor heating, lashings of hot water and good wifi was heaven! The nicest thng was that this house clearly was Meg's old family home and it had all the personalised touches and features that spoke of a home that was (and is) much loved. Meg was a great host, giving us good information and double checking all was well. We had such a wonderful relaxing holiday with fresh air, good food and amazing walks along the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen. We will be wholeheartedly recommending Lamraig Cottage and Berneray to all our friends - the perfect antidote to London city life.

Location

From the Owner

“We have family connections with the island and it is where we have now lived, worked and brought up our family for the past 17 years. Island life is simple and quiet, it offers visitors the opportunity to take time out, slow down and relax.
The cottage is the perfect base explore our beautiful white sandy beaches, wonderful wildlife and indulge in water sports in clear Hebridean water.
Our community is very hospitable and on your return visit you will be welcomed like long lost friends.”

Activity and Interests

Nearest Airport
:
Benbecula
at 34
Miles
Nearest Barpub
:
Hamersay House and Langass Lodge
at 12
Miles
Nearest Ferry
:
Sound of Harris ferry
at 1
Miles
Nearest Restaurant
:
Hamersay House and Langass Lodge
at 12
Miles
Nearest Beach
:
East beach over looking Sound of Harris
at 200
Metres
Car: recommended

Special interest holidays:

Wildlife – the cottage is particularly well suited for those interested in birds and wildlife, within a short distance you can observe arctic terns, oyster catchers, dunlins and greylag geese to name but a few. Otters do pass your door, so keep a look out, and with a short journey across the causeway you will be able to watch soaring golden eagles.

Art - for those wishing to be creative, the colours and textures of the wonderful landscape, beaches and rocky shores provide ample inspiration for those wishing to paint and sketch. Watch out for the Uist Arts Association studio trail in the early summer months.

Fishing – permits for excellent fly fishing on Loch Brusda, Berneray and with North Uist Estate.

Sport - cycle on our peaceful roads or across the machair to the beach. We can also advise on locations for water sports such as diving, surfing, kite surfing, kayaking etc.

Golf - Askernish Golf Course in South Uist is 1 hour drive from Berneray. The Isle of Harris Golf Club in Scarista on the West Coast of Harris, is a 45 min ferry trip across the Sound of Harris.

Coast/Beach:

Wiithin a 2 min stroll you will arrive on the beautiful East beach over looking the island studded Sound of Harris. White sand and turquoise water all to yourself. Pick up cowrie shells, sit peacefully and watch the bird life or paddle in the pure Hebridean water. Off to the 3 mile long white sands of the West side beach on your bike (10 mins), walk across the machair (20 mins) or drive (5 mins) en route, in summer, you take in the machair wildflowers such as poppies, marigolds and pansies.

Travel:

There are two direct ferry routes with CalMac: via Uig (North Skye) to Lochmaddy (1 hour 20 min ferry + 20 min drive); or via Oban to Lochboisdale (5 hour ferry + 1 hour 20 min drive). Alternatively you can fly with Flybe from Glasgow to Benbecula (50 mins) and hire a car, taxi or take the bus to the door (45 min drive). If you wish to tour around the Uists use of a car would make your trip more flexible. However, if physically able use of a car on Berneray is not vital.

The local shop sells a good range of groceries and you can order a daily paper, you can get cash back here otherwise the bank is 20 mins away in Lochmaddy. Free range eggs and organic vegetables are sold directly from producers on the island and you can buy shellfish from fishermen in the harbour. You can find out about the history of the island at the Berneray Historical Society located at the old nurses cottage near the harbour. Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre in Lochmaddy, North Uist provides information on local culture & heritage, live traditional music, arts & crafts courses. Local smoked salmon and seafood produce can be bought at the Hebridean Smokehouse at Clachan, North Uist. Boat trips to St.Kilda and the Sound of Harris leave from the Berneray harbour, when scheduled, the owners can assist in making arrangements for these trips.

Additional pricing information

Changeover Day:
Saturday changeover. Please arrive after 16:00 and depart before 10:00am. It would be very much appreciated if you could leave the cottage clean and tidy on departure.

Notes on prices:
Short stays of a minimum of 3 nights are only available out with peak season at a rate of £85/night. We would be happy to discuss discounts for longer period winter lets for those wishing to take advantage of office/studio facilities in a tranquil location.

Owner's Cancellation Policy

Facilities

From the Owner

“The cottage is within the island community but benefits from having its own private patch of tranquillity right on the shore. Once you park-up you may not need to get back in the car again until you go for the ferry. If able, bring bikes and stretch you legs on the quiet island roads down to the beach, off to the shop or to take in the scenery. The peace and tranquillity enable you to unwind while taking in the fresh air and simply just relax.”

Bedrooms

Sleeps 4 (Double box bedroom & twin sleeping platform)
Double wood lined bedroom with hand crafted box bed and views along the shore. The sleeping platform has two single futons and is accessed by a wooden stepladder (suitable for age 4+).
There is also a futon sofa bed in the living area for those that might not quite manage the wooden step ladder.
The cottage is perfect for a couple and cosy for four.

Outside

Kayak / Canoe ...

Garden ...

Meals

Self-catering

Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website

Notes:

Take some time out on our Hebridean island to relax, breath the fresh sea air, walk on our empty sandy beaches and restore your energy levels in this tranquil and romantic setting.
This converted thatch cottage was short-listed for a Scottish Government design award when it was first renovated in 2003. Its small exterior defies an amply spacious interior, which is tastefully furnished with all the comforts required for a simple island holiday. It is the perfect base for walks on the beach, enjoying the bird and wildlife, learning more about Hebridean culture and customs, enjoying local delicacies of seafood, water sports and island hospitality.
Security is not an issue here and with quiet roads, children can spread their wings and enjoy a sense of freedom unheard of on the mainland.
To truly understand the beauty of our island, the slower pace of life, the machair flowers, golden eagles, otters, turquoise water and white sand beaches – you need to come and experience it for yourself.

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